With the rushed introduction of Nude-o-Scopes (Millimetre Wave Scanners), whilst the cries of think of the children have been loud, not much thought has been given to the legal implications of the units – and if they are actually unlawful.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is concerned enough to write a letter (oh strong stuff) to Lord Adonis (Transport Secretary), stating it’s concerns that the Nude-o-Scope may be breaking discrimination law in its implementation as well as breaching passengers rights to privacy
The backpedal from HM Government is that we need these scanners to defend our borders and planes, but to appease the moaners, is carrying out an “equalities impact assessment” (and we all know what happens to assessments eh?)
The groups chairman has stated
“But, without proper care, such policies can end up being applied in ways which do discriminate against vulnerable groups or harm good community relations.”
It’s intresting to note that this group has stated these scanners theoretically break an individual’s right to privacy under the Human Rights Act, with emphasis on various groups such as disabled people, the elderly, children and the transgendered community
The Department of Transport of course has all but dismissed this in the name of security theatre, issuing a code of conduct (because as we all know, codes are followed to the letter), and has restated that groups would not be chosen on personal features.
The Department of Transport states:
“Given the current security threat level, we believe it was essential to start introducing scanners immediately.
“We are currently carrying out a full equalities impact assessment on the code of practice, which will be published shortly when we begin a public consultation on these issues.”
Oh. A public consultation too. Another thing for the government of the day to ignore. The fact is these have been rushed in, with minimal guidelines and the approach of “damn everyone, lets put these scanners online and if people don’t like it, say it’s in the name of security”.
Sources:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8516574.stm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/feb/16/uksecurity-terrorism
